Still unfazed by O’Connor’s absence

Mike Simmonds

Hatters boss John Still wasn’t overly worried by news that Newport County striker Aaron O’Connor will miss Saturday’s clash at Kenilworth Road due to suspension.

The 31-year-old, who has had a difficult relationship with Luton supporters since he left the club in 2012, was sent off against Stevenage last weekend, with the Exiles failing in their bid to overturn the decision.

O’Connor had netted six times in his last six games, including against Luton in the FA Cup tie last month, when he celebrated vociferously in front of the home fans.

However, Still said: “I don’t worry about that anyway. He played before and we still won, so I don’t ever worry about that, it’s back to control the controllables.

“You can only worry about your own team. Aaron O’Connor is a decent player, but the guy that comes in might be desperate for the chance and absolutely knock himself out trying to do his best for the club.

“They’ll have wanted Aaron to play, but in the same way we would have Pelly Ruddock, (Paul) Benson, (Luke) Guttridge and (Alex) Lawless to play, but sometimes its the squad that counts.”

Newport have been on fine run of form recently, winning six and drawing three of their last nine league games as their defeat came over two months ago back on October 4.

Still added: “I thought they were good against us as well. Both teams played quite well on the day, it was a good cup tie.

“Their bit of good form probably started before the cup game with us. They were in reasonable form when they came and they’ve carried that on.

“I know Justin (Edinburgh) and Jimmy Dack very well and they’ve done well there, so it’s going to be a tough game, but name one that isn’t.”